The New Political Leadership: From Panchayat to Parliament

A stimulating discussion on the concept of leadership is followed by insights on the emerging grassroots leadership. The Panchayati Raj leaders who have adapted under the impetus of elections and use their clout to secure development benefits for their constituents, are re-elected. The same holds good in the case of MLAs and MPs, though they ought not to focus on the provision of basic needs of the population. Since poverty still defines the vast majority of the people in the country, Dr. Vohra argues that the entire lot of leaders from the Sarpanch to the Members of Parliament have to devote considerable time to dealing with issues related to it. Hence the MLAs and MPs are unable to devote time to policy formulation. That is not the only new development. The quality of debate in the legislatures has deteriorated, even as the qualification of the elected representatives have multiplied. Moreover, ideologically there has been a shift to the right. Even as the previous norms of securing support do not apply and younger people with a more diverse background are winning elections, some things have not changed. Caste still plays a major role in the selection of a candidate, and the tribals and minorities continue to be exploited by political parties, whatever their ideology.